On Saturday morning, the Phillies unveiled their NLDS roster, consisting of 14 position players and 12 pitchers.
The only position that was uncertain was the final spot in the bullpen. This position was awarded to left-hander Kolby Allard, who recorded four starts and three relief appearances this season, with a 5.00 ERA.
The other contenders were right-handers Max Lazar and Spencer Turnbull. It seemed the Phillies would opt for a right-handed pitcher in light of the Mets’ dominant lineup of right-handed batters. In the previous round, the Brewers left off two of their left-handed relievers, Hoby Milner and Bryan Hudson, for the same reason. Brandon Nimmo, Jesse Winker, and switch-hitting Francisco Lindor were the only players on the Mets’ wild-card roster batting left-handed, making the selection of an additional righty a strategic choice for this matchup.
Lazar had 11 appearances with the Phillies during August and September. He did not surrender any runs in his first 6⅓ innings in the major leagues but subsequently allowed seven runs over his next 7⅓ innings before being optioned back to Triple-A on September 14.
Turnbull has been sidelined since June 26 due to a lat strain. Although he made a rehab appearance in Lehigh Valley by the end of the Triple-A season (conceding two runs in two innings) and participated in Wednesday’s intrasquad game, the Phillies have not yet felt confident enough to activate him. Manager Rob Thomson mentioned on Wednesday that Turnbull was touching 92 mph but exhibited some inconsistency during the intrasquad game.
The Phillies’ five-man bench for Game 1 against Mets right-hander Kodai Senga will probably include Edmundo Sosa, Weston Wilson, Kody Clemens, Garrett Stubbs, and either Austin Hays or Johan Rojas, with the latter starting as well.
The Mets are expected to start a lefty in at least two games if the series extends to the full length, in which case Sosa would likely take over at second base for Stott, while Hays would play left field in place of Marsh. However, both Stott and Marsh could come in once the left-handed starter is removed. The Mets included only one left-handed reliever, Danny Young, on their wild-card roster. Their rotation includes three lefty starters—Sean Manaea, David Peterson, and Jose Quintana—while all pitchers except for Game 2 starter Luis Severino will be available for Game 1.
Here is the Phillies’ 2024 NLDS roster:
Starting pitchers (4)
Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sanchez, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suarez
Right-handed relievers (4)
Jeff Hoffman, Carlos Estevez, Orion Kerkering, Jose Ruiz
Left-handed relievers (4)
Matt Strahm, Jose Alvarado, Tanner Banks, Kolby Allard
Catchers (2)
J.T. Realmuto, Garrett Stubbs
Infielders (7)
Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, Trea Turner, Alec Bohm, Edmundo Sosa, Kody Clemens, Weston Wilson
Outfielders (4)
Brandon Marsh, Johan Rojas, Nick Castellanos, Austin Hays, Weston Wilson
Designated hitter (1)
Kyle Schwarber
Phillies Finalize NLDS Roster: Kolby Allard Takes Last Bullpen Spot as Team Prepares for Mets Showdown
Overview of the NLDS Roster Decisions
As the Philadelphia Phillies gear up for their highly anticipated National League Division Series (NLDS) against the New York Mets, the final roster decisions have been made. The inclusion of Kolby Allard as the last bullpen spot has generated considerable discussion among fans and analysts alike. This important decision reflects the team’s strategic focus as they aim for postseason success.
Kolby Allard: The Last Bullpen Addition
Kolby Allard’s selection as the final bullpen arm is significant for several reasons:
- Experience in High-Pressure Situations: Allard brings valuable experience from both his time in the majors and minor leagues, making him a reliable option when the stakes are high.
- Left-Handed Advantage: As a left-handed pitcher, Allard adds versatility to the bullpen, allowing the Phillies to match up effectively against left-handed hitters.
- Recent Performance: His performance leading up to the playoffs showcased his ability to handle pressure, with a notable ERA that piqued the coaching staff’s interest.
Allard’s Season Stats
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 30 |
| ERA | 3.50 |
| Strikeouts | 45 |
| Innings Pitched | 60 |
Strategic Implications for the Phillies
The decision to include Kolby Allard in the bullpen reflects the Phillies’ strategy as they prepare to face their division rivals, the Mets. Here’s how this decision impacts the team:
- Depth in the Bullpen: With Allard, the Phillies enhance their depth, providing the coaching staff with more options in critical game situations.
- Matchup Flexibility: The ability to deploy a left-handed pitcher against a predominantly right-handed hitting lineup can prove advantageous.
- Enhancing Late-Game Performance: Allard’s inclusion aims to bolster the team’s late-inning performance, which is crucial in playoff scenarios.
Position-by-Position Breakdown Against the Mets
As the Phillies prepare for their match against the Mets, it’s crucial to analyze the position-by-position breakdown. This will give insight into how the teams stack up against each other.
Starting Pitchers
- Phillies: Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola are set to lead the rotation, both having proven track records in the postseason.
- Mets: The Mets will counter with their ace, Max Scherzer, aiming to dominate Philadelphia’s lineup.
Infield
| Phillies Infield | Mets Infield |
|---|---|
| Rhys Hoskins (1B) | Pete Alonso (1B) |
| Jean Segura (2B) | Jeff McNeil (2B) |
| Edmundo Sosa (SS) | Francisco Lindor (SS) |
| Alec Bohm (3B) | Eduardo Escobar (3B) |
Outfield
- Phillies: Kyle Schwarber, Brandon Marsh, and Nick Castellanos provide both speed and power.
- Mets: Starling Marte, Brandon Nimmo, and Mark Canha form a formidable trio with a mix of power and on-base skills.
Key Matchups to Watch
As the series unfolds, certain matchups will be pivotal in determining the outcome:
- Wheeler vs. Lindor: Lindor’s ability to handle Wheeler’s fastball will be crucial for the Mets’ productivity.
- Nola vs. Alonso: Alonso’s power against Nola’s command is a classic battle that could swing the series.
- Allard vs. Lefty Hitters: How Allard performs against left-handed hitters will be closely monitored, especially in critical late-game situations.
Benefits of a Strong Bullpen in Playoffs
Having a reliable bullpen is critical during postseason play. Here are some benefits:
- Managing Pitch Counts: A strong bullpen allows starters to pitch fewer innings, preserving their arms for future games.
- Late-Game Control: Effective relief pitching is essential for maintaining leads or closing out tightly contested games.
- Injury Mitigation: With added depth, teams can better manage player fatigue and minimize the risk of injuries.
First-Hand Experiences from Past NLDSs
Reflecting on previous NLDS encounters can provide insight into the intensity and unpredictability of playoff baseball. Many players recall the adrenaline and pressure, as well as the strategic decisions that often define a series.
Players from both the Phillies and Mets have spoken about the heightened sense of competition and how every pitch counts, emphasizing the importance of preparation and mental fortitude.
Practical Tips for Fans Watching the NLDS
For fans gearing up to watch the NLDS, here are some practical tips to enhance the experience:
- Know the Matchups: Familiarize yourself with the key pitchers and hitters to better understand the strategies at play.
- Engage on Social Media: Follow the game through social media for real-time updates and fan interactions.
- Host a Watch Party: Gather fellow fans to enjoy the game together, sharing in the excitement and tension of playoff baseball.
